“But what about work, Dad? There are things I have to complete for a client,” Alice responded.
Her father grinned and said, “What would happen to it if you were sick? I’m sure the practice can work it out.”
Judith was looking askance at her husband, feeling she should have a say in things, but Alice spoke again before she could say anything, “On that basis, I’m happy to agree with your suggestion, Dad. What do you think, Andy?” Clearly, Andy didn’t have much choice but to agree. He took another sip of his port before speaking.
“That sounds okay but when and how would Alice get back home? Would she come back with you after the dinner on Saturday?” he asked, looking at John Walton.
“Alice could,” he replied. “How about you telephone your parents and see what they think?”
Andy nodded and said, “Better give it another ten minutes to be sure they’ve finished dinner and then we could telephone them.” This gave everyone a chance to relax. Anne and Lance excused themselves and went off to the den after finishing their ports. Judith went and sat by her husband and quietly discussed the matter. Alice seemed to be floating on air at the thought of Friday off to be with Andy while he was feeling as though things were almost taken out of his hands. He took a few deep breaths as he talked with Alice. After the ten minutes, Andy asked if he could make the call and suggested he do it with Alice’s parents present. John nodded and pointed to the ‘phone. Andy picked up the ‘phone and booked the call. The operator was able to put him through immediately. Andy’s father answered. “Hi, Dad. Andy here. No doubt Mum has given you the news of my changed orders?” he asked.
“Yes, she has, Andy,” his father replied. “When do you expect to arrive tomorrow?”
“I have to check the times yet, Dad, but it should be about lunchtime. There is another thing. I’m at the Waltons and Mr Walton has suggested that Alice take the day off and come up with me by train tomorrow. What do you think?”
He waited for his father’s usual response and was not disappointed, “Hrrmph! Better talk to your mother about that one. I don’t mind if she’s happy with it.” Turning, he said, “Margaret, Andy needs to talk to you. John Walton has suggested Alice come up with Andy tomorrow. Over to you.”
Margaret Hill came on the telephone, “Hello Andy. That is a surprise. Can I talk to Judith Walton?” Andy murmured his agreement and held out the telephone to Judith Walton. It was what he had expected his mother to do. The two women talked for about five minutes — on other things as well as the matter in hand — then Judith handed the telephone back to Andy. “That’s fine Andy,” his mother said. “When you know your arrival time, please let me know. We are looking forward to seeing you.”
Andy replied, “Fine, Mum. I’ll call you in the morning. ‘Night.” He put the telephone back in its cradle and let out a big sigh.
Alice had a big grin on her face and her mother had more of a resigned look while John Walton looked pleased with himself. “This requires a celebratory drink,” he said. “Do we still have some of your fruit cake, Judith?” She nodded and headed for the kitchen and inclined her head for Alice to follow.
After the women had left the room, John Walton spoke to Andy. “This change of orders seems to have more to it than what you said. You’re not relaxed when it is discussed. From my experience in Special Ops during the war, it would seem that there’s more to it and maybe tied up with that photo in the paper of someone who looked just like you holding an arrested person. I don’t want to pry but I want you to promise to protect Alice.” Andy was about to speak but John held up his hand and went on, “Although this is a rapid romance, I think you and Alice will be good for each other and will make a fine match despite your age difference. Alice is precious to me, as is her sister. You understand me?”
Andy nodded and said, “I understand you and I make that promise.”
“Good,” John replied, and then the door opened before he could say any more and the ladies returned with the fruit cake and other sweet food. Immediately, the two men turned with smiles and John Walton suggested they have something to wash down the fruitcake. The ladies opted for Cinzano while the men opted for Drambuie. Anne and Lance came in and joined the others with a lively conversation developing about the forthcoming weekend. John Walton talked about the place chosen for dinner in Morpeth on the Saturday evening. It was the Queen’s Head Hotel which had been a coaching inn since 1656. It had a reputation for being well-maintained and having a good restaurant. Lance and Anne were going to the Theatre Royal in Newcastle to watch the Royal Ballet. The Waltons had the local railway timetable and it was agreed that Andy and Alice would meet at 8.30 a.m. at the railway station since he would be dropped off by the RAF. The evening passed quickly and the two airmen excused themselves to drive back to Ouston and do some packing. This time it was the twins that saw them off while John and Judith remained in the house. Back at Ouston, Andy reflected on John Walton’s conversation with him and wondered how many thought as John Walton did — that the man in the photo was Andy Hill and not a
